John Kindrick, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 96.

John was born on April 11, 1930, in Venus, New Mexico, to Sam (Charles) and Bessie Kindrick. He was raised in Venus—now known as Edgewood—and did not have an easy start in life. Growing up on a pinto bean farm during the Great Depression, John and his family knew the meaning of hard work from an early age. The entire family worked the farm, relying on dry farming and the unpredictable New Mexico rains to grow their crops. When the Depression made it difficult to sell their harvest, the family survived largely on what they were able to grow themselves, relying on their own resourcefulness and the support of their neighbors to make it through those difficult years.

Those early experiences helped shape John into the hardworking, resilient, and resourceful man he would become. He learned early in life how to work with his hands, solve problems, and make the most of what he had—qualities that would serve him throughout his life. John later attended Stanley High School, where he developed a lifelong love of sports. His athletic ability eventually earned him a basketball scholarship to New Mexico State University, where he attended for one year before beginning his service in the United States Navy.

John proudly served in the Navy from 1951 to 1954. During the Korean War, he served as a navigator aboard the SS Pelican minesweeper and was also stationed in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. His years in the Navy were just one chapter in a life characterized by hard work, courage, and a willingness to take on whatever challenge came his way.

After leaving the Navy, John married Jean Hove on December 10, 1954. Their courtship was anything but ordinary. They had met only twice in person before marrying, getting to know one another primarily through letters. Their marriage would last 65 years, until Jean's passing in 2019.

John attended barber school and became a barber, at one point cutting the hair of incoming naval recruits at Fort Lewis. Their daughters, Pam and Carol, were born in Olympia, Washington, in 1957. Over the following years, the family moved several times between Oregon and New Mexico to be near both the Kindrick and Hove families. In 1967, they settled permanently in Albuquerque, where John helped his father run the family business.

John was a man who could do just about anything. He was personable, determined, and exceptionally hardworking, and he never seemed afraid to learn something new. Over the years, he became licensed as a barber, realtor, plumber, and general contractor. He also installed heavy machinery at many local service stations. If something needed to be built, fixed, figured out, or made to work, John was the person you wanted around. There truly seemed to be very little he couldn't do.

His hard work and natural charm made him a successful businessman, but what mattered most to John was what his success allowed him to do for the people he loved. He was incredibly generous and a relentless caretaker. He quietly helped family members in countless ways, always willing to lend his time, knowledge, skills, or resources. In 1987, he put his many talents to work building his house—a beautiful home that stood as a testament to his craftsmanship, determination, and vision.

John found his greatest happiness in spending time with family and friends. He loved sports, keeping up with the news, and gardening. He also had a special fondness for animals. Any animal that happened to wander onto his porch could count on receiving his attention and care—whether it was a cat, bird, peacock, chicken, or any other unexpected visitor.

Family was at the center of John's life. He loved attending the events and activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and continued to show up for them for as long as he was able. His family knew they could count on him. He was a steady presence, a source of wisdom and practical advice, and someone who could always be depended upon.

John also had a wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and quick-witted, and he had a gift for knowing exactly when a lighthearted joke could ease the tension in a room. His humor, charm, and easygoing personality brought joy to the people around him.

John leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the home he built or the businesses he worked in, but in the people he cared for and the lives he touched. His knowledge, resourcefulness, generosity, steadfastness, wit, and love will be deeply missed. Those who knew John will remember a man who worked hard, loved his family fiercely, helped others without hesitation, and somehow seemed capable of figuring out almost anything.

John is survived by his daughters, Pam and Carol; grandchildren, Dave, Tom, Will, Andy, and Sara; great-grandchildren, Toby, Maddie, Henry, Gwen, Abe, Colbie, and Blake; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jean Kindrick; his parents, Sam (Charles) and Bessie Kindrick; and his five siblings, Marguerite, George, Nellie, Betty, and Paul.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1100 Montano Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM. The viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Burial services will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM, with military honors.

John lived a long, full, and meaningful life. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society.